Quote:
Originally Posted by Pat
That video is a joke. While I like the intent, the "study" is executed poorly. The idea is to compare the performance of 18" wheels with that of 19" wheels. In order to do that, one must isolate all other variables. They did not do this. The only changes in the front wheels are diameter, which is perfect for the goal of this video. However, the 19" rear wheels are an inch wider than the 18" wheels. That alone can skew the results due to size and weight factors. Moreover, the front tires on the 19" wheels are 20mm wider than those on the 18" wheels. Even worse, the rear tires on the 19" wheels are 30mm wider than those on the 18" wheels. That's totally skews the results.
The cherry on top is when the test driver says, "I can feel the rolling resistance." Yeah...sure you can. 
Ceteris paribus, if your top priority is performance, go smaller. If you care more about appearance, go bigger. Done. |
When you upsize, you're inherently going wider as well. For example, while you can get 7" wide, 17" wheels, you cannot find 7" wide, 19" wheels. Of course when you go wider wheel, you have to get wider tires. Hence the reason why if you have 17" you're running 255 rears, and for 18" you're running 265 rears and so on. In fact, that's the whole idea of upsizing... you should read up the tech article at TireRack.com.
The point of their exercise is that going wider & larger wheel which theoretically provide more traction & grip, does not provide better driver feedback and marginally quicker track time even in the hands of a professional driver.